Things to do in EnglandWhat's on in April

Sometimes, a bit of planning comes in handy, especially when it comes to things to do in England.

Taking part in a sweepstake or putting money on one of the horses running in the Grand National is one of the most traditional things to do in England in April. Even if you barely know one end of a horse from another.

If you love folk music, then April is a month to bookmark. You have the Morpeth Gathering and the Oxford Folk Festival to keep you amused.

Alternatively, you could make your way to Bath for a good laugh.

April is usually the month for Easter break. Many attractions, theme parks, houses and castles open after their winter break. And it can be rather busy.

Conversely, many places also put on extra events to entertain the kids and special offers or early booking discounts can make a difference to the state of your pocket.

... and then, of course, there are those wonderful free, wacky things to do in England. Dock pudding, anyone?

Late March or early April

The Grand NationalEngland's most popular steeple chase meeting held at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool. It's said to be the most challenging course in the country with huge fences ... for race dates and tickets check the Aintree website.

April

Morpeth Northumbrian GatheringNorthumberland has a wonderfully rich folk tradition and for three days each April, this is celebrated at Morpeth. Singarounds, storytelling and street theatre abound, culminating in the Border Cavalcade, which re-enacts the return of Lord Greystoke from the Battle of Otterburn in 1388.

Oxford Folk FestivalFolk music is making a comeback all across the country and nowhere more so than in Oxford. The town's annual spring folk festival gets better and bigger each year. If you want to see what's happening you need to book early, as tickets go like hot cake.

April

Dock Pudding ChampionshipMytholmroyd in the Calder Valley plays host to England's only Dock Pudding Championship. If you fancy yourself an aficionado of the dish made from dock leaves, onions and oatmeal, then get your chef's hat on and join in. Alternatively, you can just go along for the tasting.